I just typed this whole thing out and my internet connection cut off :evil:
So, here's the basics:
Havnt had much jump training, ive always kinda wanted to do eventing but the past few years have been concentrating on flatwork (desperately needed) Ive had a couple of jump lessons here and there a few years ago but thats it.
Same goes for shad, hasnt done much in the way of jumping. Though i know he's decent at it. Free jumped 1.10m coming off a corner, in totally unfit shape, huge gut and all. :lol:
Do you think he'd be ok at eventing though? He turns 16 this year :? And even so, if i was so start something like that it wouldnt be for at least another year...

You guys look great! You have a nice solid leg and seat and give a nice release. :)

NittanyEquestrian

04-27-2010 12:05 PM

I think you would do just fine doing the lower levels of eventing. I think the unrated trials start fences at like 18" or something like that which would be a walk in the park for you guys. The only thing I would work on would be maintaining your 2-point a little longer over fences. On these small ones you can sit down on him as he comes over behind and not have any problems. But larger fences you will start to bring down rails with his back end. To start with grab some mane and stay out of the saddle until you feel his hind feet touch the ground then gradually you will build up muscles to be able to balance and stay up on your own. That being said...it is NEVER a bad thing to grab mane to stay off your horse's mouth or if you come up to a jump and he takes it huge or long or you don't feel balanced and prepared. Grabbing a little mane is MUCH better than grabbing your horse's face (not saying you grabbed his face, just a word of advice to remember in the future).

That being said you're doing great and keep up the good work!

sandsarita

04-27-2010 07:02 PM

I would shorten your stirrups at least two holes, maybe even more. You are riding with more of a dressage leg, and in order to have a good platform over thefences you will need a shorter stirrup. I like that you aren't making a big deal out of the jumps. It was hard to tell specifics about position during the video, though. If you decide to try eventing, please get a trainer who can really help you out in person.

Arksly

04-27-2010 07:45 PM

Wow your horse has amazing movement!

MyBoyPuck

04-27-2010 07:48 PM

You look very good in that video. Nice rhythm, horse is moving in a nice round frame, your leg is solid and you wait for him to jump. I did notice when you moved the crossrail up a little, he hesitated a little and popped over the jump. So you don't accidentally create a horse that sucks back on the approach, make sure to give him enough impulsion to get over the fence in stride. It'll make for a much less jolting jump for you than if he had to just throw himself over it. If you go up in height, maybe try shortening a hole. I always love looking at pics of your horse. He so beautiful.

sarahver

04-27-2010 08:03 PM

You're horse has a lovely attitude, I think you guys would have no probs eventing at all. Looks like he would do a great dressage test which is half the battle as good groundwork means the jumping stages will be much cleaner.
You can start at Introductory level Eventing (EFA) where the jumps are only 60cm. The dressage tests at that level are very simple so you guys would do really well, mainly looking for a supple, straight horse with even tempo and balanced transitions.
16 isn't too old, he's in great shape!!!

ThatNinjaHorse

04-29-2010 08:16 PM

Quote:

To start with grab some mane

He has about 3cm of mane..
I do see what you mean though about sitting to early, ill work on that thanks!

Quote:

Wow your horse has amazing movement!

Thanks! Sometimes i feel he's wasted with me :lol:

Quote:

I would shorten your stirrups at least two holes, maybe even more.

Quote:

If you go up in height, maybe try shortening a hole.

Yeah, the length in the videos is already a fair bit shorter than the length i use for dressage, im still getting used to it. I think ill leave it at that for a while, i wont be going any higher soon anyway.

Quote:

You can start at Introductory level Eventing (EFA) where the jumps are only 60cm.

wow i was expecting it to be higher! I'll look into it, thanks! I've been told the local dressage club also runs combined training days, where you do a dressage test and a showjump round in a paddock. I think that would be a good place to start, especially if the jumps are that small

horsegirlmaddy

04-30-2010 04:51 PM

You guys look good! good for you for trying something sort of new to both of you :)

for that height of jumping, your stirrups look fine. And the only thing I can really say from that video is that it looks like you're carrying your hands just a little too high and sometimes they slip from the thumbs-on-top position, but it's not too big of a deal, and it might just be the angle of the video. Overall, nicely done! And like Sandsarita said, it's good that you're not making the jumps seem like a big deal to your horse :)